Local officials in Ireland said that two men perished on Sunday during the swimming stage of an Ironman competition.
According to the Cork County Council, it was "deeply saddened over the tragic loss of two race participants" during the occasion in Youghal, southwest Ireland, as reported by CBS News.
The two men, one in his mid-60s and the other in his mid-40s perished in separate accidents during the 1.9 kilometers (1.2 miles) swimming section of the tournament, according to Irish network RTE. Due to the bad weather, the event was initially set for Saturday but was moved up one day.
Local media claimed that both guys were pronounced dead on the spot.
They were taking part in a race known as a "half Ironman," which also included a 90 km (56 km) bike circuit and a 21.1 km (13.1 km) run.
Many of the competitors were unaware of what had happened, according to County Cork Mayor Frank O'Flynn, who was there at the event's conclusion and spoke to RTE. The decision to continue the event, he admitted to the broadcaster, "was a hard one."
The swim path will be changed, it was announced on the event's page earlier this morning, with the goal of "delivering the safest possible swim" for the competitors.
It follows Storm Betty, which pounded Ireland on Friday and Saturday with torrential rain and powerful gales sweeping the coastlines.
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Ironman Casualties Over the Years
Ironman competitions are known for their grueling challenges, but they also come with a risk of death. In recent years, there have been several high-profile Ironman deaths, raising questions about the safety of the events.
In 2018, two competitors died during the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. One competitor, a 35-year-old woman from the United States, died after she was pulled from the water during the swimming leg of the race. The other competitor, a 53-year-old man from the United Kingdom, died after he collapsed during the cycling leg of the race.
In 2021, a 32-year-old woman from the United States died during the Ironman Cozumel event in Mexico. She was pulled from the water during the swimming leg of the race and pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Ironman competitions are extremely challenging, and they can push competitors to their limits. This can lead to fatigue, dehydration, and other medical problems.
The risk of death in Ironman competitions is relatively low, but it is a real risk that should be taken seriously. If you are considering competing in an Ironman event, it is important to be aware of the risks and to take steps to mitigate them.
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